Unawatuna

Sri Lanka's Most Beloved Beach

Unawatuna's horseshoe-shaped bay sits on Sri Lanka's southern coast, protected by a natural double reef that keeps the waters calm and swimmer-friendly even when other beaches face rough seas. The 700-metre stretch of golden sand is backed by coconut palms and dotted with colourful fishing boats, creating a postcard-perfect tropical scene.

Beach Activities

The calm, shallow waters make Unawatuna ideal for swimming — there's rarely a dangerous undertow. Snorkelling is rewarding along the reef edges, where you'll spot colourful tropical fish, small reef sharks, and occasionally sea turtles. Several dive shops offer PADI courses and guided dives to nearby sites including a shipwreck. Surf lessons are available for beginners at the eastern end of the beach.

Beyond the Beach

Walk up Rumassala Hill to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for sweeping views over the bay and across to Galle Fort. The hill itself is a protected area with a network of jungle trails. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away and worth at least half a day of exploration. Several sea turtle hatcheries along the coast offer close encounters with baby turtles.

Practical Information

Unawatuna has a wide range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels right on the beach. The village has numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood, Sri Lankan rice and curry, and international cuisine. The best weather is from November to April (southwest monsoon brings rain from May to September). From Colombo, Unawatuna is approximately 150 kilometres south — reachable in about 2.5 hours via the Southern Expressway.